31st May 2012 – rain WNW1/2
Ringing
An above average total of 144 birds of 16 species were trapped in May comprising Willow Warbler (61), Blackcap (20), Goldfinch (14), Chiffchaff (9), Linnet (8), Dunnock (8), Greenfinch (4), Whitethroat (3), Redstart (3), Lesser Redpoll (3), Spotted Flycatcher (3), Sedge Warbler (3), Chaffinch (2), Swallow (1), Robin (1), Collared Dove(1) .
Miscellaneous
A census of the roof-top nesting gulls on the centre of the island found 65 pairs of Herring Gull and 31 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull – an increase from the last survey in 2010. Further work along the Barrow side of Walney Channel also showed a slight increase in Lesser Black-backed Gull but a decline in Herring Gull from 2010 with 1160 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gull, 255 pairs of Herring Gull and 3 pairs of Great Black-backed Gull located.
Moths
The moth catch included White Ermine, Heart and Dart, Silver-ground Carpet, Large Yellow Underwing, Small Square-spot and Spectacle. Just taken delivery of the new micro-moth fieldguide so a few additions to the island list could be expected in the coming months!
The sea again provides the main interest
30th May 2012 – overcast WSW1/2
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided a very similar species list to yesterday, although in reduced numbers, with 32 Manx Shearwater, 31 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 11 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern, 5 Kittiwake and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was the sole evidence.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 120 Dunlin, 30 Knot and 20 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl continues to hunt the island.
Moths
Highlights from the moth trap included the first Brimstone of the year and a Cockchaffer!.
Offshore
The sea (0800-0900) provided a very similar species list to yesterday, although in reduced numbers, with 32 Manx Shearwater, 31 Gannet, 21 Common Scoter, 11 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern, 5 Kittiwake and single Little Tern and Arctic Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Willow Warbler was the sole evidence.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 120 Dunlin, 30 Knot and 20 Sanderling.
Miscellaneous
A Short-eared Owl continues to hunt the island.
Moths
Highlights from the moth trap included the first Brimstone of the year and a Cockchaffer!.
The sea provides main interest
29th May 2012 – overcast WSW1
Offshore
Overcast skies prompted a check over the sea (0815-0915) and despite the light winds a steady stream of birds were in evidence with 117 Manx Shearwater, 92 Guillemot, 61 Common Scoter, 31 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake, 7 Arctic Tern and 4 Sandwich Tern logged .
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin remain on the move.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen early morning (0001 hrs!) and the first recently fledged Starling, Goldfinch and Greenfinch are now to be found.
Ringing
A family party of Raven included a colour-ringed bird that had originally been ringed at Sandside, Cumbria in March 2005.
Moths
Highlights from the moth trap include Campion (the first for four years), Green Carpet and a migrant Silver Y.
Offshore
Overcast skies prompted a check over the sea (0815-0915) and despite the light winds a steady stream of birds were in evidence with 117 Manx Shearwater, 92 Guillemot, 61 Common Scoter, 31 Gannet, 7 Kittiwake, 7 Arctic Tern and 4 Sandwich Tern logged .
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow and House Martin remain on the move.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl was seen early morning (0001 hrs!) and the first recently fledged Starling, Goldfinch and Greenfinch are now to be found.
Ringing
A family party of Raven included a colour-ringed bird that had originally been ringed at Sandside, Cumbria in March 2005.
Moths
Highlights from the moth trap include Campion (the first for four years), Green Carpet and a migrant Silver Y.
Short-staying Avocets
27th May 2012 – hot and sunny NE4
Grounded Migrants
A few newly grounded migrants were again in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin and Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and 2 Avocet were the stars of the day.
Moths
The moth trap is now beginning to turn up a wider selection of species with the spectacular Puss Moth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and Poplar Hawkmoth all recorded.
Images
Avocet.
Grounded Migrants
A few newly grounded migrants were again in evidence with 2 Spotted Flycatcher and single Yellow Wagtail and Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of House Martin and Swift continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and 2 Avocet were the stars of the day.
Moths
The moth trap is now beginning to turn up a wider selection of species with the spectacular Puss Moth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Small Elephant Hawkmoth and Poplar Hawkmoth all recorded.
Images
Avocet.
Long-tailed Duck continues in residence
21st May 2012 – bright and sunny/calm
Offshore
The sea again provided variety in not quantity with 15 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern and single Common, Arctic and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few newly grounded migrants were again in evidence despite the clear skies with 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear and single Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Moths
Again dominated by 34 Brown Silver-line but Flame Shoulder, Garden Carpet, Bright-line Brown-eye and Shoulder-striped Wainscot were new for the year while the highlight was a Pale Prominent (less than five previous records).
Images
Pale Prominent.
Offshore
The sea again provided variety in not quantity with 15 Gannet, 11 Common Scoter, 8 Guillemot, 6 Sandwich Tern and single Common, Arctic and Little Tern.
Grounded Migrants
A few newly grounded migrants were again in evidence despite the clear skies with 4 Spotted Flycatcher, 4 Wheatear and single Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence.
Moths
Again dominated by 34 Brown Silver-line but Flame Shoulder, Garden Carpet, Bright-line Brown-eye and Shoulder-striped Wainscot were new for the year while the highlight was a Pale Prominent (less than five previous records).
Images
Pale Prominent.
Osprey flies through
20th May 2012 – bright and sunny SE1
Offshore
The sea provided just small numbers of Gannet and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few migrants continue to move through with 15 Wheatear, 5 Spotted Flycatcher and a Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
A single House Martin was the sole representative.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey flew through late yesterday morning.
Butterflies
The first Common Blue are now on the wing.
Images
Common Blue.
Offshore
The sea provided just small numbers of Gannet and Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A few migrants continue to move through with 15 Wheatear, 5 Spotted Flycatcher and a Willow Warbler logged.
Diurnal Migration
A single House Martin was the sole representative.
Miscellaneous
An Osprey flew through late yesterday morning.
Butterflies
The first Common Blue are now on the wing.
Images
Common Blue.
Hooded Crow
18th May 2012 – overcast, light rain ENE2/3
Offshore
The sea provided small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 5 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift were amongst small numbers of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow showed too much interest in a brood of recently hatched Mallard ducklings for the liking of the attentive female which soon saw it off!. Several pairs of Barn Owl are now feeding young
Moths
A Silver Y was predictably the first migrant of the year.
Offshore
The sea provided small numbers of Gannet, Sandwich Tern and Arctic Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Just 5 Wheatear and single Spotted Flycatcher and Willow Warbler were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift were amongst small numbers of Swallow.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow showed too much interest in a brood of recently hatched Mallard ducklings for the liking of the attentive female which soon saw it off!. Several pairs of Barn Owl are now feeding young
Moths
A Silver Y was predictably the first migrant of the year.
Old Favourites continue to linger
17th May 2012 – overcast, light rain S1
Offshore
The sea provided 61 Arctic Tern, 42 Common Scoter, 27 Little Tern, 8 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of newly grounded birds was apparent with 40 Wheatear, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and waders included 2000 Dunlin, 500 Knot, 180 Ringed Plover, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Moths
Easily the best attraction of the year so far was dominated by 22 Brown Silver-line along with Angle Shades, Spectacle, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Shuttle-shaped Dart, White Ermine and Dark-barred twin-spot Carpet.
Offshore
The sea provided 61 Arctic Tern, 42 Common Scoter, 27 Little Tern, 8 Sandwich Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
A sprinkling of newly grounded birds was apparent with 40 Wheatear, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Willow Warbler and single Blackcap and Chiffchaff logged.
Diurnal Migration
Small numbers of Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin continue to move through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and waders included 2000 Dunlin, 500 Knot, 180 Ringed Plover, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 6 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Moths
Easily the best attraction of the year so far was dominated by 22 Brown Silver-line along with Angle Shades, Spectacle, Rustic Shoulder-knot, Shuttle-shaped Dart, White Ermine and Dark-barred twin-spot Carpet.
Long-tailed Duck and Marsh Harrier
16th May 2012 – bright and sunny WNW1/2
Offshore
Two dark phase Arctic Skua amongst small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Common Scoter were the pick of morning observations (0830-0900). An evening check (1920-2010) yielded 30 Kittiwake, 20 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Little Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear continue to dominate with 47 birds logged, however the only other evidence of obviously grounded birds involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Two Sand Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and six Whimbrel was the best of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
A female Marsh Harrier drifted over the salt marsh in the evening.
Offshore
Two dark phase Arctic Skua amongst small numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Common Scoter were the pick of morning observations (0830-0900). An evening check (1920-2010) yielded 30 Kittiwake, 20 Sandwich Tern, 20 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern, 3 Little Tern and a Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear continue to dominate with 47 birds logged, however the only other evidence of obviously grounded birds involved a single Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
Two Sand Martin were amongst a trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Long-tailed Duck continues in residence and six Whimbrel was the best of the waders logged.
Miscellaneous
A female Marsh Harrier drifted over the salt marsh in the evening.
Curlew Sandpiper steals show
15th May 2012 – sunny spells NNW3/2
Offshore
What a difference a day makes, observations (0800-0900) provided just small numbers of Gannet, Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear remain to the fore with 24 birds logged along with 2 Willow Warbler, however the island’s hedgerows were full of territorial Whitethroat suggesting a further influx.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow, Sand Martin and Lesser Redpoll remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlight of the day was a summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper amongst 2500 Dunlin and 140 Ringed Plover while 6 Whimbrel remain.
Offshore
What a difference a day makes, observations (0800-0900) provided just small numbers of Gannet, Razorbill, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern and Red-throated Diver.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear remain to the fore with 24 birds logged along with 2 Willow Warbler, however the island’s hedgerows were full of territorial Whitethroat suggesting a further influx.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow, Sand Martin and Lesser Redpoll remain on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Highlight of the day was a summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper amongst 2500 Dunlin and 140 Ringed Plover while 6 Whimbrel remain.
Seawatching provides the headlines
14th May 2012 – overcast W4/5/6
Offshore
Observations (0720-1000) provided 175 Gannet, 85 Manx Shearwater, 77 Guillemot, 66 Kittiwake, 48 Arctic Tern, 27 Razorbill, 16 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Tern, 14 Little Tern, 11 Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skua, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and Blackcap were amongst 11 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were noted over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 350 Dunlin, 100 Turnstone, 50 Knot and 6 Whimbrel.
Images
Wheatear.
Offshore
Observations (0720-1000) provided 175 Gannet, 85 Manx Shearwater, 77 Guillemot, 66 Kittiwake, 48 Arctic Tern, 27 Razorbill, 16 Common Scoter, 15 Sandwich Tern, 14 Little Tern, 11 Fulmar, 4 Arctic Skua, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and Blackcap were amongst 11 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
A few Swallow were noted over the sea.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 350 Dunlin, 100 Turnstone, 50 Knot and 6 Whimbrel.
Images
Wheatear.
Late Brent Goose
13th May 2012 – overcast SW4/5/6
Offshore
Observations (1115-1230 and 1630-1730) provided 70 Gannet, 47 Common Scoter, 44 Manx Shearwater, 20 Sandwich Tern 19 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single dark-bellied Brent Goose and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 18 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Offshore
Observations (1115-1230 and 1630-1730) provided 70 Gannet, 47 Common Scoter, 44 Manx Shearwater, 20 Sandwich Tern 19 Kittiwake, 8 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and single dark-bellied Brent Goose and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Limited to 18 Wheatear.
Wildfowl and Waders
A group of 20 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
First Garden Warbler arrives
12th May 2012 – sunny spells NW3
Offshore
Observations (0830-0930 and 1900-2000) provided 32 Guillemot, 41 Gannet, 17 Razorbill, 20 Common Scoter, 4 Kittiwake and 14 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Another late morning influx of Wheatear was apparent with 67 birds logged, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap and single Chiffchaff, Redstart and Garden Warbler the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Six Sand Martin and 3 House Martin were amongst a steady trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
50 Whimbrel, 170 Turnstone, 6 Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Offshore
Observations (0830-0930 and 1900-2000) provided 32 Guillemot, 41 Gannet, 17 Razorbill, 20 Common Scoter, 4 Kittiwake and 14 Sandwich Tern, 4 Arctic Tern and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Another late morning influx of Wheatear was apparent with 67 birds logged, also seen were 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap and single Chiffchaff, Redstart and Garden Warbler the latter the first of the year.
Diurnal Migration
Six Sand Martin and 3 House Martin were amongst a steady trickle of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
50 Whimbrel, 170 Turnstone, 6 Golden Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit were the pick of the waders.
Arctic Skuas provide the highlight
11th May 2012 – overcast NW4/5
Offshore
A check over the sea (0830-0900) provided 2 Arctic Skua but otherwise sightings were limited to 21 Gannet, 18 Sandwich Tern and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 9 Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 9 Jackdaw flew through.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0830-0900) provided 2 Arctic Skua but otherwise sightings were limited to 21 Gannet, 18 Sandwich Tern and 3 Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 9 Wheatear were logged.
Diurnal Migration
A flock of 9 Jackdaw flew through.
Almost a complete washout
10th May 2012 – rain NE1
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain finally relented (2000-2045) provided 3 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Razorbill and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel numbers continue to decline with just eight birds logged, a Black-tailed Godwit was the best of the rest.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island at dusk.
Late News
On the nearby mainland a Hoopoe was photographed near Stainton on 15th April 2012.
Offshore
A check over the sea as the rain finally relented (2000-2045) provided 3 Common Scoter, 3 Manx Shearwater, 2 Razorbill and a Great Skua.
Grounded Migrants
A total of 15 Wheatear were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel numbers continue to decline with just eight birds logged, a Black-tailed Godwit was the best of the rest.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted the island at dusk.
Late News
On the nearby mainland a Hoopoe was photographed near Stainton on 15th April 2012.
A quieter day
9th May 2012 – overcast NW1
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 9 Common Scoter 5 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear decreased markedly with only 15 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler and another Redstart – it has been the best spring on Walney for several years for this species. Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler numbers continue to build.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with a steady passage in off the sea through the morning totalling at least 300 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel numbers showed a noticeable decline with just 10 birds logged.
Moths
The first Pebble Prominent have emerged.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) produced just 9 Common Scoter 5 Gannet, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Sandwich Tern and a Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear decreased markedly with only 15 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler and another Redstart – it has been the best spring on Walney for several years for this species. Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler numbers continue to build.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with a steady passage in off the sea through the morning totalling at least 300 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin and 2 House Martin.
Wildfowl and Waders
Whimbrel numbers showed a noticeable decline with just 10 birds logged.
Moths
The first Pebble Prominent have emerged.
Whimbrel and Wheatear dominate
8th May 2012 – sunshine and showers S2
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) provided variety rather than quantity with 86 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 35 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers increased with 76 birds logged otherwise obvious migrants were limited to 3 Willow Warbler and a Redstart. However, a further influx of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were noted at breeding localities.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with passage through the morning totalling at least 500 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin 2 House Martin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recently ploughed field attracted 160 Ringed Plover and 100 Dunlin while 102 Whimbrel were logged.
Ringing
The origins of the colour-ringed Dunlin found on 4th May 2012 have been confirmed, it was ringed at Brito Saltpans, Alcochete, Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL on 2nd February 2009 (1800km S). Also a colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull holding territory on the island on the same date was ringed at Stoke Orchard Landfill Site, Gloucestershire on 4th December 2004 (251km SSE).
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0900) provided variety rather than quantity with 86 Common Scoter, 35 Gannet, 35 Kittiwake, 14 Guillemot, 10 Sandwich Tern, 6 Manx Shearwater, 3 Red-throated Diver, 2 Razorbill and single Arctic Tern, Little Tern and Fulmar.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers increased with 76 birds logged otherwise obvious migrants were limited to 3 Willow Warbler and a Redstart. However, a further influx of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat were noted at breeding localities.
Diurnal Migration
Swallows were again on the move with passage through the morning totalling at least 500 birds, also seen were 2 Sand Martin 2 House Martin and a Lesser Redpoll.
Wildfowl and Waders
A recently ploughed field attracted 160 Ringed Plover and 100 Dunlin while 102 Whimbrel were logged.
Ringing
The origins of the colour-ringed Dunlin found on 4th May 2012 have been confirmed, it was ringed at Brito Saltpans, Alcochete, Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL on 2nd February 2009 (1800km S). Also a colour-ringed Lesser Black-backed Gull holding territory on the island on the same date was ringed at Stoke Orchard Landfill Site, Gloucestershire on 4th December 2004 (251km SSE).
Black Guillemot and Little Tern
7th May 2012 – hazy sun/rain later SE3/4/5
Offshore
Observations before and after the tide (0800-0900 & 1400-1500) were highlighted by 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and single Black Guillemot and Little Tern amongst 90 Common Scoter, 27 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were amongst 56 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 550 Knot, including a few in summer plumage and 67 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Offshore
Observations before and after the tide (0800-0900 & 1400-1500) were highlighted by 2 Puffin, 2 Arctic Skua and single Black Guillemot and Little Tern amongst 90 Common Scoter, 27 Sandwich Tern, 24 Gannet, 10 Manx Shearwater, 9 Kittiwake, 9 Guillemot, 2 Red-throated Diver and 2 Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Two Yellow Wagtail and single Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were amongst 56 Wheatear.
Diurnal Migration
Single Siskin and Lesser Redpoll were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A flock of 550 Knot, including a few in summer plumage and 67 Whimbrel were the pick of the waders.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Little Ringed Plover new in
6th May 2012 – bright and sunny W2/3
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears were again to the fore with 58 birds logged during a late morning influx, along with 7 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail were amongst a further steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and 80 Whimbrel were recorded.
Moths
The first Rustic Shoulder-Knot have emerged.
Offshore
Just small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Gannet and Sandwich Tern were logged.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears were again to the fore with 58 birds logged during a late morning influx, along with 7 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap.
Diurnal Migration
A skein of 50 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtail were amongst a further steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Little Ringed Plover was newly arrived and 80 Whimbrel were recorded.
Moths
The first Rustic Shoulder-Knot have emerged.
First Cuckoo of the spring
5th May 2012 – bright and sunny N2
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 28 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears increased with 43 birds logged along with 15 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redstart and single Cuckoo, Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Whinchat. Increased numbers of birds are now in breeding haunts with 20 Whitethroat, 12 Sedge Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Grasshopper Warbler recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Dunlin, 430 Knot, 134 Whimbrel, 130 Sanderling and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Offshore
Morning observations (0800-0900) produced 28 Gannet, 12 Sandwich Tern, 5 Arctic Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Guillemot.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatears increased with 43 birds logged along with 15 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Redstart and single Cuckoo, Fieldfare, White Wagtail and Whinchat. Increased numbers of birds are now in breeding haunts with 20 Whitethroat, 12 Sedge Warbler, 8 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler and 2 Grasshopper Warbler recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift and single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin were amongst a steady passage of Swallow.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 1260 Dunlin, 430 Knot, 134 Whimbrel, 130 Sanderling and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow put in another appearance.
Mediterranean Gull
4th May 2012 – overcast E2/3 occasional showers
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0845) provided a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 10 Arctic Tern along with 14 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers continue to fall with just 25 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Fieldfare and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 350 Knot, 24 Whimbrel and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
A mixed flock of Sanderling and Dunlin roosting over the tide held the third colour-ringed Sanderling of the spring, it had originally been ringed at Sandgeroi, ICELAND on 22nd May 2011 (1240km NW). In addition a colour-ringed Dunlin was also found – initial enquires suggest that this had been ringed on the Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL.
Mammals
Two Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in Piel Channel before they headed back out into Morecambe Bay under the accompaniment of a large flock of gulls.
Moths
White Ermine, Cinnabar and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet were newly emerged.
Offshore
A check over the sea (0800-0845) provided a first-summer Mediterranean Gull and 10 Arctic Tern along with 14 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern, 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Gannet and a Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Wheatear numbers continue to fall with just 25 birds logged along with 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler and single Fieldfare and Whinchat.
Diurnal Migration
Just a few Swallow were on the move.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 350 Knot, 24 Whimbrel and 2 Purple Sandpiper.
Ringing
A mixed flock of Sanderling and Dunlin roosting over the tide held the third colour-ringed Sanderling of the spring, it had originally been ringed at Sandgeroi, ICELAND on 22nd May 2011 (1240km NW). In addition a colour-ringed Dunlin was also found – initial enquires suggest that this had been ringed on the Tagus Estuary, PORTUGAL.
Mammals
Two Bottle-nosed Dolphins were seen in Piel Channel before they headed back out into Morecambe Bay under the accompaniment of a large flock of gulls.
Moths
White Ermine, Cinnabar and Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet were newly emerged.
Hooded Crow flies through
3rd May 2012 – bright and sunny NE3 the NW2/3
Offshore
A quick check over the sea revealed just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although 140 Wheatear were logged the supporting cast was less spectacular compared to the excesses of yesterday with just 17 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat seen.
Diurnal Migration
A steady trickle of hirundines through the morning involved 110 Swallow, 12 House Martin and a Sand Martin while a Hooded Crow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 53 Whimbrel and a late Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
While migrant species are still moving through the resident species are now feeding young with the first broods of Dunnock and Stonechat now fledged.
Butterflies
The first Wall Brown and Large White are now on the wing.
Offshore
A quick check over the sea revealed just small numbers of Gannet and Sandwich Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Although 140 Wheatear were logged the supporting cast was less spectacular compared to the excesses of yesterday with just 17 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Whinchat, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat seen.
Diurnal Migration
A steady trickle of hirundines through the morning involved 110 Swallow, 12 House Martin and a Sand Martin while a Hooded Crow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wader sightings included 53 Whimbrel and a late Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
While migrant species are still moving through the resident species are now feeding young with the first broods of Dunnock and Stonechat now fledged.
Butterflies
The first Wall Brown and Large White are now on the wing.
Birds Galore!
2nd May 2012 – overcast/calm then sunny spells V2
Offshore
There was little time to look over the sea and consequently sightings were limited to 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned to calm and overcast conditions and it quickly became evident that one of the best falls ever witnessed on the island in the spring, due to the variety and numbers involve, had taken place. Nearly every bush, hedgerow, field and fence line seemed to hold birds and final totals involved 310 Willow Warbler, 255 Wheatear, 46 Blackcap, 12 Whinchat, 12 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 8 Redstart, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and single White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Although somewhat overlooked the skies added to the variety with 500 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Siskin and Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and wader sightings were led by 57 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn and Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island, 2 Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were seen and a Raven was logged.
Offshore
There was little time to look over the sea and consequently sightings were limited to 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter, 6 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and single Red-throated Diver and Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
The day dawned to calm and overcast conditions and it quickly became evident that one of the best falls ever witnessed on the island in the spring, due to the variety and numbers involve, had taken place. Nearly every bush, hedgerow, field and fence line seemed to hold birds and final totals involved 310 Willow Warbler, 255 Wheatear, 46 Blackcap, 12 Whinchat, 12 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge Warbler, 8 Redstart, 8 Whitethroat, 7 Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Tree Pipit and single White Wagtail, Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Diurnal Migration
Although somewhat overlooked the skies added to the variety with 500 Pink-footed Geese, 200 Swallow, 4 House Martin, 3 Lesser Redpoll and single Sand Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Siskin and Swift.
Wildfowl and Waders
A few Teal continue to linger and wader sightings were led by 57 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Both Barn and Short-eared Owl continue to hunt the island, 2 Little Egret and 2 Peregrine were seen and a Raven was logged.
Weather deteriorates again
1st May 2012 – overcast/rain later NE4/5
Offshore
Again just small numbers of birds were on the move (0815-0915) with 40 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and 4 Willow Warbler were amongst 16 Wheatear as the weather reverted to the cold and windy conditions typical of much of this spring.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again coming in off the sea early morning with 100 Swallow, 18 House Martin and a Sand Martin logged along with 70 Meadow Pipit and 20 Linnet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 34 Whimbrel.
Offshore
Again just small numbers of birds were on the move (0815-0915) with 40 Sandwich Tern, 8 Red-throated Diver, 4 Arctic Tern, 4 Gannet, 3 Razorbill and single Red-breasted Merganser, Manx Shearwater and Guillemot logged.
Grounded Migrants
A Whinchat and 4 Willow Warbler were amongst 16 Wheatear as the weather reverted to the cold and windy conditions typical of much of this spring.
Diurnal Migration
Hirundines were again coming in off the sea early morning with 100 Swallow, 18 House Martin and a Sand Martin logged along with 70 Meadow Pipit and 20 Linnet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 34 Whimbrel.
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